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Examining the Usability of Workload Monitoring in Firefighter Recruits
Hayden K Giuliani-Dewig1, Gena R Gerstner, Jacob A Mota
1From the Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science (Ms Giuliani-Dewig Dr Gerstner and Dr Ryan); Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV (Dr Giuliani-Dewig); Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (Dr Ryan); Carolina Center for Total Worker Health and Well-Being, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (Dr Gerstner and Dr Ryan); and Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.
Objective:
Although workload monitoring is commonly used in athletic settings to mitigate injury risk, we are unaware of previous studies examining its feasibility among firefighters.
Methods:
Nineteen firefighter recruits completed a short online workload survey at the end of each training day (Monday-Friday) for 26 weeks during the academy. A modified System Usability Scale was provided at midtesting (3 months into the academy) and posttesting (end of the academy).
Results:
The recruits perceived the survey to be user-friendly throughout the academy (83.6 ± 13.6). However, questions 1 (survey frequency) and 6 (survey consistency) decreased and increased from midtesting to posttesting, respectively. Adherence was overall poor, decreasing from midtesting to posttesting.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that workload monitoring is a user-friendly tool within tactical populations; however, future research should consider optimal survey frequency to enhance compliance.
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